BEA'S BOOK NOOK "I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once." C. S. Lewis “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.” ― Oscar Wilde

Showing posts with label urban fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label urban fantasy. Show all posts

Monday, October 31, 2022

Bea and A Voracious Reader Review Mosaics and Magic by Nancy Warren


Series: Vampire Knitting Club #14
Read As A Stand Alone: Yes, but not recommended
Publisher: Ambleside Publishing 
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Release Date: September 28th, 2022
Buying Link: Amazon* 
* affiliate link; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through this link.

Blurb from goodreads:

Beware the crystal ball...

When Lucy and Rafe are given a crystal ball as a wedding present, she’s shocked when it foretells doom. For the newlyweds, this was supposed to be a time of joy and celebration. But when a terrible accident befalls one of their wedding guests, Lucy and Rafe must postpone their honeymoon. And as the evidence begins to unravel, it becomes clear this was no accident.

Lucy and her undead knitters must navigate punting on the Cherwell River in Oxford, complicated and contentious relationships among their guests, and clues that don’t make sense. It may have looked like a random tragedy, but as every knitter knows, when you place the separate strands in a certain light, there’s always a distinctive pattern.

This is book 14 in the Vampire Knitting Club series. There's no blood, gore, swearing or sex, just quirky characters, a compelling mystery and a lot of fun.

Grab your copy today and join the club.

Monday, November 8, 2021

Bea Reviews The Demon Equilibrium by Cathy Pegau


Publisher:
Bywater Books
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: Nov. 2nd, 2021
Buying Links: Amazon* | Barnes & Noble | Bywater Books | iBooks* | Kobo
* associate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

When the demonic Horde threatens to unleash Hell on Earth, two women must summon every bit of their shared power to save the world.

Grace Carter, a “source” of magic, has spent the last nine months searching for Maggie Mulvaney, her “catalyst.” The joy of reuniting with her partner—and her lover—is thwarted by her worst fear: Maggie doesn’t remember Grace or their life together. Grace blames the Order of Saint Teresa, the centuries-old organization that trained them to be the strongest demon-hunting duo in generations. But why has the Order done this?

As Maggie and Grace begin to piece their lives back together, they discover that their memories have been masked by someone within the Order. Should the Horde succeed in their plan, those who have committed their lives to slaying worldly demons will be relegated to little more than minions as humans are completely enslaved.

Now, Grace and Maggie must sacrifice everything, possibly even their lives, as they battle to save humanity.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Not of This World, or Why Author Cathy Pegau Writes Speculative Fiction



Please welcome Cathy Pegau back to the blog in celebration of her new release, The Demon Equilibrium. It's a steampunk adventure romance, and it's available now. Be sure to come back on Monday for my review. Spoiler - I liked it! 

Not sure about buying the book? If you are in the USA and have access to Hoopla, it's available there! CLICK TO READ.

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Review: Becoming Crone by Lydia M. Hawke


Series:
 The Crone Wars #1
Read As A Stand Alone: Yes
Publisher: Michem Publishing
Source: ARC - the author in exchange for an honest review; final copy - purchased
Release Date: June 16th, 2021
Buying Links: Amazon* | Barnes & Noble | iBooks* | Kobo
 * affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from author:

Claire Emerson is adrift. After a lifetime as a wife, mother, and grandma, she never saw divorce or loneliness coming and is desperate for some sense of purpose. But when her sixtieth birthday brings a snarky gargoyle, an annoyingly sexy wolf shifter, and an unknown magical calling, she thinks she’s losing the only thing she has left: her sanity.

Refusing to believe she’s the powerful defender of humankind her so-called protectors claim, Claire attempts a return to her safe life… only to have her powers ignite when she’s attacked by dark supernatural creatures. And without the training she was supposed to have received, she has no idea how she’ll defeat sinister mages plotting her demise.

Can Claire overcome creaky joints and major hot flashes in time to save the world – and her own life?

Monday, June 21, 2021

Becoming Crone by Lydia M. Hawke: Excerpt & Giveaway!


Today I am so excited to have an excerpt from Linda Poitevin's latest book, and a return to her urban fantasy roots. It's also a shift, as the heroine is older, and that is an urban fantasy trend I love. Anyway, Becoming Crone has a sixty year old heroine, a Chosen One who isn't a teen! And it's inspired by the King Arthur stories but with Linda's own spin on it. There are evil gnomes, a cat, werewolves, witches and mages, a gargoyle, 70's music, a hint of romance, and a lot of action.

Oh, quick note. I've been calling the author Linda, which may have you confused as it's not the name on the cover. I've been following Linda on Twitter and Facebook for years; the Lydia M. Hawke identity is a newish pen name and she's still Linda to me. 

So get comfy, grab a drink, and enjoy this excerpt. Then, enter the giveaway at the end. Oh, and come back on Thursday for my review! Hint - I loved it. 

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Bea and A Voracious Reader Review A Spelling Mistake by Nancy Warren


Series:
Vampire Book Club #3
Read As A Stand Alone: Yes
Publisher: Ambleside Publishing
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Release Date: Nov. 6th, 2020
Buying Links: Amazon* * affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Oops...

With great power comes...great big trouble when you make a mistake. Between managing a book shop in a postcard-pretty village in County Cork, Ireland, running a book club made up of vampires, and solving murders, my life is pretty full. Throw in that I'm a middle-aged witch with some powerful magic, if I do say so myself, and sometimes my brain hits overload. Is that what happened? I don't know, but when magic goes wrong in a town as quirky as Ballydehag, hold onto your broomsticks. You're in for a crazy ride.

A Spelling Mistake is book 3 in the Vampire Book Club series of cozy paranormal mysteries. Each can be read alone and there is no bad language or gore. There is humor, murder solving and a touch of romance from the best-selling author of the Vampire Knitting Club series.

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Review & Giveaway: Dirty Deeds: An Urban Fantasy Collection by Faith Hunter, Diana Pharaoh Francis, Devon Monk, & R. J. Blain


Read As A Stand Alone:
Mostly
Publisher: Pen & Page Publishing
Source: publicist in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: January 12th, 2021
Buying Links: Amazon* | Apple Books* | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Books | Kobo
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

When the going gets tough, the tough get their hands dirty. Join NY Times Bestselling author Faith Hunter, USA Today Bestselling author R.J. Blain, and National Bestselling authors Diana Pharaoh Francis and Devon Monk on a wild romp where the damsels bring the distress and what can go wrong will go wrong.

Venture into a thrilling spinoff tale from the world of Jane Yellowrock; join vacationing gods in what appears to be a quiet, ordinary town; visit a supernatural hotel where the bedbugs could very well eat you; and dive into the zany, deadly world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series.

In this collection of all-new urban fantasy novellas and other stories, no job is too big or too small — if the price is right.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Bea and A Voracious Reader Review Chapter and Curse by Nancy Warren

Series: Vampire Book Club #2
Read As A Stand Alone: Yes
Publisher: Ambleside Publishing
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Release Date: July 8th, 2020
Buying Links: Amazon* | * affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

A quiet Irish village? Not so much!

An ancient curse seems to be causing bad luck in the charming village of Ballydehag, Ireland—witch Quinn Callahan’s new home. When someone is murdered is it the curse? Or is there a very human murderer on the loose? Moving to a small Irish village was supposed to keep the middle-aged witch out of trouble. Yeah, that didn't happen. Quinn and her bookish vampires must find the real killer and end the curse before someone else dies.

If you like quirky characters, mystery, humor and a touch of romance, don't miss this second instalment in the Vampire Book Club series from the best-selling author of The Vampire Knitting Club. Each book is a complete story that can be read on its own.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Bea and A Voracious Reader Review The Vampire Book Club by Nancy Warren

Series: Vampire Book Club #1
Read As A Stand Alone: Yes
Publisher: Ambleside Publishing
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Release Date: May 6th, 2020
Buying Links: Amazon*
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

I was a divorced, middle-aged witch banished to Ireland.

My life could be summed up in a limerick...

There once was a misguided witch
Who tried a man’s fate to switch
Her punishment set
To Ireland she must get
But better than feathers and pitch!

With a name like Quinn Calahan I sounded as Irish as a leprechaun dancing a jig on a four leafed clover, but the truth was, I’d never been closer to the emerald isle than drinking green beer at the St Patrick’s day street party in Boston until I messed up so badly I had to leave the US. I was offered a job in a tiny village in Ireland that no one’s ever heard of. And I think that was the point in sending me there. How much trouble could a divorced, middle-aged witch get into in a village that boasted very few residents, one crumbling castle that attracted no tourists, and a post office that was only open Mondays and Thursdays?

You’d be surprised.

You will fall in love with this series about second chances, magical mayhem, and book club unlike any other. From the author of the best-selling Vampire Knitting Club series.

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Bea Reviews Haunted by Cathy Pegau

Publisher: Cathy Pegau
Source: the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: June 15th, 2020
Buying Links: Amazon* | Apple Books* | Barnes & Noble  | Kobo |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Environmental consultant Georgie Del Ducco sees dead people. Well, one dead person--her best friend, journalist Min Goldfelder. Min’s latest visit comes as Georgie flees her own wedding in her cheating ex-fiancé’s car. As much as Georgie appreciates Min’s company, she can’t help but wonder why her friend keeps showing up and hasn’t “crossed over.”

While Georgie’s being held for car theft, Min sees a man she knows is somehow connected to her fatal accident. And her accident is connected to a bear poaching story she was working on when she died. Can Georgie and Min solve the mystery of Min’s death so she can continue her journey to the other side? Better question: Can Georgie face having her BFF gone forever?

Content Warnings: scenes of dealing with grief and loss of a close friend and an adult child; brief rough handling by a former romantic partner; recounting fatal automobile accident and images of injuries.

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Jax Reviews That Ain't Witchcraft by Seanan McGuire

Series: The Incryptid Series
Publisher: DAW books
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: March 5, 2019
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Crossroads, noun:

1. A place where two roads cross.
2. A place where bargains can be made.
3. See also “places to avoid.”

Antimony Price has never done well without a support system. As the youngest of her generation, she has always been able to depend on her parents, siblings, and cousins to help her out when she’s in a pinch—until now. After fleeing from the Covenant of St. George, she’s found herself in debt to the crossroads and running for her life. No family. No mice. No way out.

Lucky for her, she’s always been resourceful, and she’s been gathering allies as she travels: Sam, fÅ«ri trapeze artist turned boyfriend; Cylia, jink roller derby captain and designated driver; Fern, sylph friend, confidant, and maker of breakfasts; even Mary, ghost babysitter to the Price family. Annie’s actually starting to feel like they might be able to figure things out—which is probably why things start going wrong again.

New Gravesend, Maine is a nice place to raise a family…or make a binding contract with the crossroads. For James Smith, whose best friend disappeared when she tried to do precisely that, it’s also an excellent place to plot revenge. Now the crossroads want him dead and they want Annie to do the dirty deed. She owes them, after all.

And that’s before Leonard Cunningham, aka, “the next leader of the Covenant,” shows up…

It’s going to take everything Annie has and a little bit more to get out of this one. If she succeeds, she gets to go home. If she fails, she becomes one more cautionary tale about the dangers of bargaining with the crossroads.

But no pressure.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Bea Reviews The Complete Sookie Stackhouse Stories by Charlaine Harris

The Complete Sookie Stackhouse, Charlaine Harris, Bea's Book Nook, Review
Series: Sookie Stackhouse
Publisher: Ace Books
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: November 21st, 2017
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

For the first time together in one volume, the complete short story collection starring Sookie Stackhouse--with a new introduction from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the series, Charlaine Harris.

For the first time together in one volume, here is the complete short story collection starring Louisiana's favorite telepathic waitress, Sookie Stackhouse--from #1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris. New fans can fill in the gaps in their Sookie lore while old friends can revisit some of their favorite moments and characters. From investigating the murder of a local fairy to learning that her cousin was a vampire, from remodeling her best friend's house to attending a wedding with her shapeshifting boss, Sam, Sookie navigates the perils and pitfalls of the paranormal world.

Belly up to the bar at Bon Temps's favorite watering hole and hear stories that will make you wish Sookie never left, including...

"Fairy Dust"
"One Word Answer"
"Dracula Night"
"Lucky"
"Gift Wrap"
"Two Blondes"
"If I Had a Hammer"
"Small-Town Wedding"
"Playing Possum"
"In the Blue Hereafter"

This definitive collection is the perfect binge read for people who like their stories with bite!

Monday, November 6, 2017

Bea Reviews Lure of Oblivion by Suzanne Wright

Bea's Book Nook, Review, Lure of Oblivion, Suzanne Wright
Series: The Mercury Pack #3
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: November 21st, 2017
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Gwen Miller may be a human, but she has no problem taking a stand against her own kind. She’s going to testify against the teenage boy she saw viciously assault a lone shifter female—and no amount of pressure from the boy’s wealthy family will make her back down. But when the harassment turns violent, help comes in the form of a lean, toned wolf with winter-gray eyes.

As a guest at Gwen’s inn, shifter enforcer Zander Devlin can’t help but notice that the fierce and leggy brunette is in serious trouble. Since she’s putting herself at risk for one of his kind, keeping her safe is the least he can do. That’s not the only reason Zander wants her close. He desires her, even as the wolf inside him backs away from her. But his feral instincts are hard to keep down, and as they take shape, they’re harder for Gwen to resist. Then again, embracing them could be the only thing that could save her life.

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Mini Reviews of Every Heart A Doorway by Seanan McGuire & Silence by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin

Bea's Book Nook, Review, Every Heart A Doorway, Seanan MGuire
Series: Every Heart A Doorway #1
Publisher: Tor
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: April 5th 2016
Challenges: NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | OmniLit*  | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children
No Solicitations
No Visitors
No Quests

Children have always disappeared under the right conditions; slipping through the shadows under a bed or at the back of a wardrobe, tumbling down rabbit holes and into old wells, and emerging somewhere... else.

But magical lands have little need for used-up miracle children.

Nancy tumbled once, but now she’s back. The things she’s experienced... they change a person. The children under Miss West’s care understand all too well. And each of them is seeking a way back to their own fantasy world.

But Nancy’s arrival marks a change at the Home. There’s a darkness just around each corner, and when tragedy strikes, it’s up to Nancy and her new-found schoolmates to get to the heart of the matter.

No matter the cost.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: To Love A Wolf by Paige Tyler

Bea's Book Nook, Review, Excerpt, Giveaway, To Love A Wolf, Paige Tyler

Werewolves. Romance. Suspense. Military men. Hot, sexy men. Are you ready for the next installment in Paige Tyler'sSWAT series? There's an excerpt and a giveaway so grab a cool drink, get comfy, and enjoy!

Paige Tyler is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy, romantic fiction. Paige writes books about hunky alpha males and the kick-butt heroines they fall in love with. She lives with her very own military hero (a.k.a. her husband) and their adorable dog on the beautiful Florida coast. Visit http://paigetylertheauthor.com/.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Bea Reviews Wolves' Bane by Angela Addams


Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Series: Order of the Wolf #3
Format Read: eGalley
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: January 6, 2015
Buying Links: Amazon* | Kobo | ARe* | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository*
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Her destiny is etched in his skin…and carved in her heart.

Order of the Wolf, Book 3

Morgan Stills is a woman without a future. At least, that’s what the carnival psychic tells her. Love is foretold as well, but too bad. She’s already been marked for death.

She no sooner flees the psychic’s tent when she’s confronted by the biggest wolf she’s ever seen. A wolf that talks to her—right before she’s enveloped in a black cloak and dragged away.

Caleb was born for one purpose: follow the burning of his tattoo to find and protect his destined mate, the Huntress. When he rescues her from Lazarus, the king of beasts, what thanks does he get? A swift kick in his tender parts that leaves him writhing in a ball of pain.

Morgan quickly realizes her destiny lies with the Order of the Wolf. The only catch—she must choose between two sworn enemies who vie for her body, heart, and soul. Marked as a Huntress, thrust into an ancient feud between werewolf and Hunter, she must pick up a sword or die. And somehow learn to live without the man she is destined to kill.

Warning: Be prepared for fiery hot, melt-your-panties men, all muscle and sinew, searching for their one true mate. Committed, hot, and horny. What could be better?

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Bea Reviews Heart of Stone by Christine Warren

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Series: Gargoyles #1
Format Read: eGalley
Reading Challenge: NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading ChallengeWinter COYER 2014/2015
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: December 31, 2013
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | ARe* | Barnes & Noble |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

From bestselling author Christine Warren comes a thrilling new series about a young woman caught between a rock and a hard place—between gargoyles and demons…

Ella Harrow is trying to carve out a normal life for herself. Well, as normal as an art geek with psychic abilities can hope for. As museum docent and gift-shop manager, Ella is able to keep her distance from people—and her powers in check—while surrounding herself with the artifacts she loves. But how on earth is she supposed to act normal when a thousand-year-old statue on the museum's terrace suddenly comes to life?

Heart of Stone

Not your ordinary gargoyle, Kees has been asleep for eons, waiting for a portent of evil to wake him from his slumber. Kees isn't a vision; he's a bat-winged guardian created to protect the world from the seven demons of the Dark. Somehow, Ella triggered his reawakening. Maybe the demons have been unleashed? Maybe his heart is finally ready to be chiseled open? The fate of the world isn't carved in stone…yet.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Bea Reviews I'm Dreaming of An Undead Christmas by Molly Harper

Publisher: PocketStar
Series: Half Moon Hollow #2.7
Format Read: eGalley
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review 
Release Date: November 17, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Kobo* | Barnes & Noble |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Experience the vampire world for the holidays through the eyes of Gigi Scanlon in this e-novella prequel to The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire from beloved paranormal romance author Molly Harper!

College co-ed Gigi is headed home to Half-Moon Hollow for her first Christmas since her sister, Iris, was turned into a vampire by her beloved undead husband, Cal. Iris is working overtime to make this holiday as normal and special as possible. After all, it’s taken her months of working with Jane Jameson and the Hollow’s vampires to convince herself that she won’t bite her baby sister on sight.

Gigi has her own worries. She’s falling out of love with her high school sweetheart, Ben, and has no idea how to tell him. She’s got a secret job interview with terrifying teen Council official, Ophelia Lambert. And there’s a handsome but cagey vampire following her around town and then disappearing before Gigi can confirm that he’s not, in fact, a figment of her fertile imagination. Holidays with family are complicated. Christmas with an undead family can be downright dangerous.
 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

SIGN UPS! Blog Tour for Wolves' Bane by Angela Addams

https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/show/id/55294

Ummm, see that hot cover? Wanna read the book that goes with it? Or maybe interview the author who wrote it? You're in luck! I'm setting up a blog tour for it. The tour will be January 6th through January 20th, 2015.

We're looking for 9-12 tour stops over the two week period. You can do a review, interview Angie, or share an excerpt. Guest posts are also available, but there's a maximum of two for the tour. We are working with the publisher, Samhain, to see about getting review copies via NetGalley. There will be a tour wide giveaway with a rafflecopter widget that I'll set up.

Friday, October 10, 2014

The Friday 56 #58 Wolf Slayer by Angela Addams


This is a fun meme to do hosted by Freda's Voice. If you'd like to join in the fun go to The Friday 56.

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

I'm reading a paranormal romance, "Wolf Slayer", by Angela Addams. The quote is from 56%  in the eGalley.



She snapped her gaze up to find Chris-blond, built, and hotter than hot. She'd known him most of her life, his family being Order supporters just as hers was. Young, early twenties, he was part of her and her sister's cohort of Hunter/Huntress hopefuls, training together at times, socializing together often. He was a trusted family friend-someone she could count on to watch her back.